IS YOUR WORKPLACE A TEMPLE?

 

“Find a work, that gives you inner expression,

You will find happiness in it.

Make the world recognize the value of your work,

You will find success through it.

Dedicate the results of your work to your Cosmic Presence,

You will feel closer to the Divine.

Make this work of yours useful to the world,

And, you will find life’s Purpose in that work.”   -mahatria

What is the charm in doing our work monotonously every day? There has to be “josh” in our daily life. We should be able to happily whistle our way to work. I don’t miss out on my high-five with the little ones, or to wish them a happy morning, or to ask them, “How are you?” and wait to hear them say, “Top of the world!”

Students are bubbling with energy. The entire campus is pulsating with their vibrations. How can we be dull or emotionless in such an environment! Unless you are a stoic, you cannot be otherwise.

I am helplessly in love with these children, who bring life to the school, which is otherwise just a concrete jungle. Students wake up our sensitivity and the finer qualities in us. We are more humane because of them.

A teacher-student relationship is a connect. It happens only when we give ourselves to the profession.

How do we see our workplace? As a temple (am I sounding outdated and ancient?!), or as a factory that churns out similar products, or as a place that helps us pay our bills?

How I see my workplace manifests into that very thing in my life. I can talk only about teaching. I consider it very sacred. It cannot be a time pass. Then we will mess up the lives of students.

It should be our life’s Purpose. Then there is something to look forward to, every day. There is joy in transforming someone’s life. We can create a generation that is noble-hearted and able-minded.

There is thrill in living a useful life, where you put the world ahead of you. You don’t have to go in search of divinity. Divinity will come to your doorstep.

I have often heard the story of Samuel from my spiritual guru. "Samuel was busy serving people. One day, an angel appeared before him, and asked him where, Mary, John, and George lived. He said that he had been sent by God to gift people who loved God. Samuel immediately said, “Then my name must be in the list.” The angel ran through the list and said that Samuel’s name wasn’t there, and he disappeared. Samuel was disappointed as he loved God, but it was not in the list sent by God. The next day, once again the angel appeared. This time Samuel was indifferent. He said that he was not ready to act as a guide to show where different people lived. He continued to do his work. The Angel said, “Today I have come with a different list. I have brought the names of those people whom God loves, and your name tops the list.” Samuel was overjoyed.

This is true of a teacher’s life. We just need to get busy with our students, preparing them for life. One day we will realize that when we were busy with our students, God was busy taking care of our needs.

Don’t go in search of abundance. Rest assured that abundance will fill your life. Just be ready to dirty your hands, and the Almighty will shower His blessings on you.

You will live a blessed life when you do everything, without expecting anything in return. When you bring a lot of reverence to what you do. When your work is a prayer unto Him. When you begin to see your workplace as a temple, you will become an altar worthy of worship!

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting
 

GET THIS ONE THING RIGHT

“Love is not love that pampers. Love is love that creates”-mahatria

Pampering is, love me only the way I want to be loved. Pampering weakens you.

Love creates you… the school practices tough love.

When the school enforces discipline, it is seen as intrusion and interference, by students. They resist it.

Till you are mature enough to make choices, you have to put yourself into a choiceless state, and handover the responsibility of your life to a higher intelligence, and also be ready to be guided by them.

Everybody needs freedom. Responsible freedom will be appreciated.

Many a time, you are influenced by your friends. You may not have the maturity to discriminate right from wrong. Your decisions may be based on pain and pleasure.

You may dislike any kind of advice that is given, and see it as pain. In order to avoid the pain, you may start becoming manipulative.

You should take great care in choosing your friends.  Friends at this stage have the power to create you or destroy you. So, to get your life right, you need to get your friends right.

Friends are dearer to you than your parents. You listen to your friends. If you are in the wrong circle, that is when you pick up all the vices. Your friends may urge you to smoke, drink, and also indulge in substance abuse. Develop the courage to walk alone and be right.

Everything first begins as fun. You never know when it will turn into an addiction, and before you realize, you reach a point of no return.

A life which could be glorious otherwise, is in utter shambles.

Life should never be one of regret. Life should be rejoiced and celebrated. If not anything else, the biggest gift you can give yourself is choosing the right group of friends. They are the biggest influence in your life.

“Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.”

Adolescence is a profoundly life- defining period. It is a period of transition into adulthood. Many of them lose track and end up being a mediocre in life. You need to set standards higher than what the world expects of you. Surpass expectations.

How do you choose your friends?

1.Are your friends bringing out the right side of you or the wrong side of you?

2.In the company of your friends are you flourishing or perishing?

3. Are your friends fostering personal growth and a stronger sense of self-worth?

4. Are you developing the right habits and making futuristic plans with your circle of friends?

5. Are your friends contributing to an enriched life?

In the epic, Mahabharata, Sakuni was Duryodhana’s fall back and Krishna was Arjuna’s fall back. Everybody knows who won the war eventually. Who is your fall back in life?

Good friends walk through life side by side, lifting you when you falter, uplifting your mood when you feel low, celebrating your wins, keeping you grounded, not just having fun with you, but telling the truth even if it is hard to hear, and making your life more meaningful.

Surround yourself with the right circle of friends. Get this one thing right.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting
 

THE MASTER’S PIECE

November 11^th is a very special day, not only for me, but for millions who belong to the fraternity. The Path called infinitheism has enveloped our lives in ways we cannot even explain and is taking us to the higher branches of maturity, day after day.

As I wish to share the joy that I am experiencing, through my transformation, with many others, I make every effort to instill those values in my students. I don’t miss half an opportunity to share the wisdom that I am receiving from the Path, even with teachers.

I know that it can turn around lives, and help them live a beautiful life, if they are given those experiences very early in life.

But how much are we willing to immerse ourselves in these experiences? Being in such an environment itself is a blessing.

As we grow older we become more rigid, and so we are unwilling to change. But, personally, I feel that if  we keep the student in us alive, we will be willing to learn from everywhere.

It is this outlook that helped me to receive the wisdom of the Path without any resistance or reluctance. I am ready to absorb what is good for me.

I am loving the person that I am becoming. That is the truth. Growing in your own eyes is not easy. And when there is someone to help you, don’t miss the opportunity.

The simple things in life are the most difficult to implement. Many people struggle to be punctual to work every day. There are those who cannot consistently exercise or avoid tongue conscious food. Waking up early is difficult for some. To do what is good for you, consistently, is tough for some others.

Anchor yourself to someone who can chisel you and help you discover the beauty within. On your own you may not be able to know what you are capable of.

Even great men like Alexander, had Aristotle, Chandragupta had Chanakya, Socrates had Plato. It only goes to show that even they listened to a teacher.

A great warrior like Arjuna became despondent in the battlefield. Only when he surrendered to Lord Krishna, the Gita unfolded.

Your life will be unfolded to you only when you surrender yourself to a higher intelligence. And that is exactly what I did.

A mere rock can become a masterpiece in the hands of a Master!

What are you waiting for? Just hand yourself over to the one who can mold you, chisel you, groom you, fine tune you, and create you into legendary proportions! 

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting
 

PLEASE STAND UP FOR YOUR CHILD

In order to create noble-hearted and able-minded students, the school takes them through various experiences. At every level, some activity or the other keeps happening every other day. In the midst of all this, learning also happens in the classrooms. Teachers take classes.

Every day goes like a breeze. The days on which students cooperate, the day goes beautifully. But there are days on which the unruly behavior of one child, or a few children, disrupts the flow and thereby the peace in the school environment.

Everything else comes to a standstill. The principal loses her vital productive time conducting an enquiry. Sometimes it goes beyond a day or two. Precious time is lost.

Students don’t realize that their mindless and impulsive behavior disrupts school work.

Violent behavior, mobile addiction, substance abuse, riding a powered two-wheeler or driving a car without license, being active on social media, hanging out with friends, getting into relationships of infatuation, have all become very common these days.

Some of them do not prioritize their character or behavior over all this. Studies also takes a back seat. They have a wrong concept of heroism.

Schools face several behavioural challenges when children are not monitored at home by parents. When the upbringing of children is not given importance, such children become a nuisance to the school and to the society at large, and an unwholesome influence on their fellow-students. Many other students are wrongly influenced by children whose parents don’t have time for parenting.

Many families are affected sometimes because of one child who has not been brought up well. So, parents need to understand that neglecting their child affects many others.

Parents should know what should be their priority. The emotional and mental well-being of children is as important as their physical well-being. Children are exposed to so many things, as they have a mobile with them.

Monitoring their activities, knowing who their friends are, inculcating values in them, providing a harmonious environment at home, sensitizing them to the feelings of others, having conversations with them, listening to them, can help them to grow into fine individuals, who are balanced.

As parents, we have a responsibility towards society. We need to ensure that our children are an asset to society and not a threat. How people see our children depends on the way we have groomed them. We owe it to our children.

The quality of life they will lead will depend on how much we have stood by them in their growing years and guided them.

Children need your attention; nurture them and nourish them with your love and care. Please stand up for your child. If not you, who else will?

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

 

WHO IS CREATING THE MESS?

     

When I go for work every day, a particular route that I take, has a traffic bottleneck. A half-an-hour drive takes more than one hour. This is because drivers don’t adhere to lane discipline. They don’t have the patience to wait. They form multiple lanes, and it leads to increased congestion.

 This blocks the vehicles coming on the opposite side. None of us can move forward and remain in the same place for a long time, blaming each other. They keep honking and creating noise pollution.

I keep wondering whether it is so tough to adhere to lane discipline. They just have to form a single lane. We create our own problems and suffer. I am sure many of them reach their destination late.  

Recently the drainage in our street was overflowing and the stench was unbearable. The corporation vehicle that came to clear the blockage found a lot of unwanted stuff that was causing the drainage block.

Will you discard cloth and other household waste into the drainage? Who is suffering the consequences? The ones who created it and the neighbours, for no fault of theirs. Do you create trouble for others through your careless attitude? Such mindless behavior!

Keeping our street clean is our responsibility. Some years back we planted many saplings to beautify our street. One of them uprooted a plant in front of their house, and some were not ready to water the plants. Those of us who took care, have trees in front of our houses.

As a school, we planted 1111 saplings in 2012. Today, they have grown into trees and are lining the streets in our neighbourhood. This is a legacy that we leave behind.

We teach students that “Learning, earning & returning” need not be different phases in life, they can be concurrent. We make social contributions every year by raising funds. Children are told that they can contribute to society in many ways, not just materialistically.

Our students and teachers clean the school campus every Friday, house wise. Each house gets a turn every month. This will teach them to keep their streets clean and thereby the country clean.

Seeing the amount of aggression, perversion, cynicism, apathy, violence, indifference, emotional dysregulation and outbursts, in society, we realize the need for a value-based upbringing. It has become vital to sow the right thoughts and train the minds of the growing children, in the right direction.

Sensitizing them to the needs of others, loving and respecting people, no matter how big or small they are in stature, is so important. Failure to do so will result in a huge mess.

We celebrate the “Bouquet of Thanks” every year when children honour the school support staff.

It is our endeavor to set right what is presently ailing society, through a revolutionary education that we are providing, to get the “being” of the child right, apart from preparing them for the future.

A Movement is slowly and steadily growing and one day the results of such an education will grow in geometric proportion and manifest in a beautiful society, where there is camaraderie, morality, mutual respect, peace and harmony.

Join us in building a world where man does not think against man!

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

HAPPY DIWALI!!!

I have always looked forward to Diwali, as it is a festival that brings joy to me. The joy of gifting something that brings a smile on my face. One month in advance the search for sarees begins. Even if it is for the support staff, I will not be satisfied easily. The designs and colours have to appeal to me. Then it is instantly selected.

There is so much joy in seeing their happiness while receiving their Diwali clothes.

Sweets are distributed and festival bonus is credited to the staff.

Diwali hampers are curated and sent to relatives and friends.

Diwali is seen as a festival of bringing joy in the lives of people.

I look back at my childhood when my guardian angel, who took care of me, used to buy us our Diwali clothes. My childhood was mostly spent at their place.

There used to be so many relatives and friends on the eve of Diwali. Everybody was given their clothes. Crackers were bought at such a huge cost. They brought light into the lives of so many people.

Everybody was very happy on that one day, forgetting their daily challenges. On their own, probably they would not have been able to afford the luxury of good clothes, delicious food and crackers to burst. The kind-hearted souls made it a memorable day for them. All my Diwali was spent in their house.

Diwali meant, togetherness, good food, delicious sweets, merry-making, sharing, enjoying, and most importantly, there was someone spearheading the celebration, who had the heart to give, and bring joy in the lives of their friends and relatives. Somebody who worked so hard to have more than enough, someone who was willing to share. In my life, it was my Godfather.

Probably, this had a huge impact on my outlook in life, coupled with the approach of my husband, who loves to give.

As a child, bursting crackers gave me thrill. But, as an adult, happiness is derived more from making others happy.

I wonder how life changes our perspective, and our status quo in life. To be able to give, and having the heart to give, both are a blessing from above.

Diwali is symbolic of good winning over evil. I think, Diwali after Diwali, my being was getting purified. My focus started shifting from self to selflessness.

Life comes to a point when your need to have is overtaken by your need to give, from being consumed by the desire for self-gratification, to the joy of enriching others’ lives.

What we experience in our childhood, and the people who are around us, have an impact on who we become. We learn from what we see.

Was Diwali just wishing each other, “Happy Diwali!” and posting pics in your new clothes on social media, or did you light up somebody’s life and make it a memorable day, just as how my guardian angel did when I was a child?

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

UNSHAKEABLE FAITH

A beautiful quality in life I imbibed,

Just watching my mother,

Who personified unshakeable FAITH.

Her unwavering beliefs and prayers,

Were a positive influence on me.

 

Faith opens possibilities,

And assures us that,

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Faith gives us the strength,

To go through the vicissitudes of life.

 

Faith banishes our fear,

Faith instils confidence.

Faith creates miracles,

It is our only savior,

When all hopes are lost.

 

The acrobats leap in faith,

The baby monkey holds on, in faith.

The hands raise in faith,

The eyes close in faith,

One waits endlessly in faith.

 

There is no negotiation in faith,

There is no supposition in faith,

There is no substitute for faith.

All that I know is,

Life validates faith.

 

I am blessed to have faith in life,

I am truly grateful,

For this one quality,

Instilled in me,

That has shaped my life.

 

Faith on something,

Faith in one thing,

Faith in anything,

Faith in everything.

The question is, “Do you have FAITH?”

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting
 

THE METAMORPHOSIS

Goodbye I waved to myself,

Entering the Heaven of Freedom.

Long years of self-imprisonment,

Without growth and improvement.

 

Love and bliss fill my heart

Rejoicing in the metamorphosis.

A fresh breath of life I inhale,

Dancing to the new lease of life.

 

Peace and calm I experience,

Bathed profusely in Thy Munificence.

Swaying in delight and ecstasy,

Acknowledging and cherishing His mercy.

 

Faith and Surrender in every cell,

A blessed life I can tell.

Miracles unfold in every step,

Led forward by Divine will.

 

Thoughts so pure inhabit the mind,

Living life beyond the grind.

Darkness and doubt dispelled,

As a heavenly light is beheld.

-      CHITRA PRASAD

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting

 

SIMPLE, YET DIFFICULT

 

As I was watching the non-academic performance review meeting presentation of the school for term I, I felt very proud of where we had reached, how far the entire NABET system had percolated in the school, the pride and conviction with which every process owner presented. The ownership that each one took for their process was overwhelming.

When our school first decided to go for NABET accreditation, it was a desire to have a system driven organization. Though the journey ahead was not familiar, it was not intimidating. We didn’t know that so much work would have to be done.

Everyone was new to the system.  Every staff had to be trained, those of us helming the school affairs had to familiarize ourselves and also be proficient in the standards expected.

Continual improvement was our focus. Collective effort helped us in achieving high standards, that today, we are one of the looked up to schools in the city for the quality we bring into our work. We have been benchmarked by many schools.

From a simple, yet, a difficult process, a new culture came into existence.

A simple shift in adhering to a system made all the difference. Some find it difficult to take it up.

The journey will be enjoyable if we focus on what we can become in the process.

Whether it is about not being punctual, or littering in public places, or defacing heritage sites, or substance abuse, is all a matter of attitude. A simple self-discipline is all that is needed. Yet, it seems so difficult for a few to achieve it.

How difficult it is for some to adhere to health-conscious food and make it a way of life. It is just a simple shift from what is tasty to the tongue to what is good for the body.

Hence, the struggle continues for many, to give up in order to go up.

The right attitude that we develop, is the outcome of a decision that we make, to embrace change without any negotiation.

Learning a new language, or a new sport, developing a new skill or learning to swim, or to drive, all of these are simple for some, but difficult for some others.

Everything that is essential in life, when not adopted on time, becomes difficult in later years.

It did take a while, but I worked on one aspect at a time.

A few things that is the outcome of adopting what is right;

# The happiness I am deriving in embracing what is right.

# The peace and harmony that I am experiencing.

# Growing in my own eyes as a result.

Can you share with me one shift that you made, that appeared to be simple, yet difficult to achieve, that became a part of you eventually? I am sure you will agree with me that the above three are your experiences as well.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION?

From a little child to an adult, there is a story running in each one’s head. Our fears, our joys, our relationships, our perspectives, are all born from these stories. The experiences we have had in life and the environment in which we grow, create these stories.

A little child refuses to eat, to mingle with others, to share, to go to school, and there is a reason for it in that little head. Though we may not agree with it, the child is convinced about it.

There are also children who are happy, easy going, friendly, active, who happily go to school, have fun in the company of friends, who are easy to handle. 

As a student, what is your definition of a teacher? How do you see your school? What is your relationship with your classmates? How important are studies to you? How attached are you to your parents?

Is it alright to keep the company of those who make you indulge in vices? How do you see the opposite gender? Do you think it is important to have priorities in life? Do you value integrity? Is it fine with you to violate the school culture?

Everything will depend on the definitions you hold.

Even amongst adults there are people who complain all the time, who find it difficult to adjust, who can seldom be happy, who have mood swings, who bully others, in short, they are people who lack emotional balance and maturity.

On the contrary, there also those who are happy, loving, adaptable, friendly, sincere, dependable, and emotionally balanced and mature.

I see a lot of struggle in the world to get the definitions right.

When you experience peace and harmony in your daily life, when you are not disturbed by the immaturity of the world, when you hold the key to your happiness, when there is a flow in your life, then you know that you have got your definitions right. 

Buddham saranam gachhami

Dhamam saranam gachhami

Sangam saranam gachhami

I am blessed with all the three in my life. A spiritual anchor, the wisdom of the Path and I am surrounded by the right-minded fraternity. I think this is the greatest blessing in my life.

From an insecure, love-starved child with heartaches and complexes, to a confident individual, with a heart filled with love and strong self-image, I have travelled very far in life. With a spiritual anchor, life can transform 360 degrees.

You need His grace to be blessed with a Source of Faith. I am sure the universe took mercy on me as it found a child walking with an unsteady gait, directionless, searching for Love. It brought into my life loving and caring people.

It helped me change my definitions in life. There is no more void or emptiness. Life is so fulfilling as it is filled with love, happiness, peace, harmony, and everything life positive.

This is a manifestation of spiritual evolution, that gives you all these experiences. To be able to tell, “Life is beautiful” or to feel on top of the world, one needs a spiritual anchor.

Life drastically changes when your definitions change. In fact, when you become free from definitions, you gravitate towards a gravity free zone where nothing pulls you down. It is a beautiful space to be in.

Change your definitions, and thus, change your life!

”Do not accept anyone’s definition of life. 

DEFINE IT YOURSELF”…   -mahātria

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 
 

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM…

 

Achieving Mind Over Body

(Education is not about marks and grades alone. It is about making a mark in life)

I usually receive wishes on “Teachers ’Day” from some of the alumni. But this year I received a few detailed messages along with the wishes. All of them had written about the impact of the school on their life and how they had an edge over others, and how grateful they were to the school for bringing about a transformation in their life.

They transcended some of their habits, and the qualities they imbibed, have taken them many notches higher than they could have imagined.

One such quality is, punctuality. An alumna of NSN, who is a lawyer by profession, says, she learnt in school that 9.01 am is not 9.00 am. It sounded simple when she first heard it, but it has left a profound impact on her, and continues to guide her in life.

“The power of the man is in the power of his mind

The power of his mind is in the power of his subconscious mind

The power of his subconscious mind is in the power of his subconscious beliefs

The power of his subconscious beliefs is built by making and honoring commitments.” – mahatria

The mind plays a powerful role in our life. The compounding effect of all small habits either leads to our success or failure in life. Coming to school on time is not about clock management. What comes along with this practice is a whole lot of other benefits. It is about achieving mind over body.

Even waking up early in the morning is an ordeal for many. A waking up time is set in the phone, and when it rings, the snooze button is pressed. If we live life out of pain and pleasure, there will be no discipline in our life. Only when the mind is in control of our actions, will we execute the right choices.

Stressing on punctuality is basically to create a powerful mind. In order to be punctual, we will start prioritizing and organizing our daily routine. In the process, we will become very organized and disciplined.

We also have a “Willpower Drive” practice in the school. Every month students are asked to align themselves to a routine, which, if practiced every day, can become a habit.

What we become in the process of achieving a goal is always far greater than the end goal.

Developing a powerful mind helps in making the right choices in life. Adolescence is a phase when the influence of friends is very high. Children tend to get carried away, especially those whose self-image is dented. They will indulge in everything that their friends do.

When the mind is disciplined, falling a prey to anything that is destructive can be avoided.

In NSN, students are given a certificate every month for punctuality and regularity. This motivation will help them to develop the right habits, by developing a powerful mind. And, it will go a long way in fostering the right attitude in life.

We are what we are because of

What has gone into our mind

What we will become will depend on

What continues to go into our mind.

“Thought” is another name for “fate.” -mahatria

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM…

Nurturing Students for the Nation

(The education we provide in NSN goes far beyond the textbook, beyond academics and beyond the classroom) 

How many of us value the freedom that we have gained from the British rule, after more than three hundred years of great struggle by our ancestors?  We were born into free India and so, we do not know what it is to be stifled, or curtailed of one’s freedom to express, or to be dominated by a race.

To inculcate the feeling of patriotism in students, in NSN, we end the class by wishing students, “Jai Hind!” Independence Day is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Students deliver electrifying speeches, competitions are conducted, assembly presentations are made on freedom struggle, guest lectures are given about the unsung heroes of the freedom movement, to create a feeling of belongingness to the country.

The school also has the NCC, Air Wing and the Army. JRC, Scouts & Guides, and Cubs & Bulbuls Movement are part of the Co-curricular activity. Love for the country is imbibed in students through this Movement.

Swachh Bharat campaign is conducted every week. Students and teachers of one of the four houses, clean the school campus, on Fridays.  This helps to create a sense of ownership in students and also trains them to keep their surroundings clean. The cleanliness of a nation begins with our immediate surroundings.

The Eco-friendly certificate is given to every class that is kept litter free throughout the month.

Responsible citizenship is about making responsible choices. Not to do anything that is easy and convenient, or anything that is pleasurable, but to do what is right.

“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in character

Where there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home.

Where there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation.

Where there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” -Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Bringing up our children with the right value system and discipline is our contribution to the nation. Teaching them to be law-abiding citizens is responsible parenting.

There are many who are contributing to the nation-scientists, engineers, lawyers, policemen, and most importantly, teachers. Every professional goes through the hands of a teacher, even a teacher.

We may call teaching as the mother of all professions. Hence, the responsibility of moulding students into great citizens is shared by teachers, with the parents.

A teacher’s contribution to the nation is the highest. A teacher is here to serve. If a teacher can be a mom in school, she will do everything in the interest of the child and groom them to be an asset to the nation.

Like a mother, she will not wait for appreciation, and if her love for her students is as intense as a mother’s love, she will never need a reminder for what she needs to do. She will be the most inspiring teacher. To teach is to touch lives.

It is not necessary to be in the country’s defence to serve the nation. By being role model parents and teachers, influencing the young minds through the life that we live, we can contribute in a big way to the nation.

Each one of us should know that “True display of patriotism is living a life your country will be proud of”  - mahatria

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting  

LOOK AROUND…LOOK BEYOND

 

(Education is not all about what we receive within the four walls of our classroom, or what we read from the textbook, or what is imparted to us as part of academics. Something beyond that is required to live a life of peace and harmony. So, a curriculum has been devised to address the needs of students, to achieve wholesome development)

In a nuclear family set-up, children’s needs and wants are taken care of. Especially, with many families having only one child, a lot of attention is given to the child and sharing is not an integral part of their growing up years. The joy of giving has to be ingrained from childhood.

Some of them don’t know that there are many people in the world who are deprived of the basic needs in life. We need to sensitize them to the plight of others. Else, there is a threat of creating a selfish society.

“Learning, Earning & Returning should be concurrent and not different phases in life.” -mahatria

Even a s a student, there are so many contributions we can make. Our students planted 1111 saplings under the Go Green Project, in Chitlapakkam and Chromepet, in the year 2012, and today they have grown into trees. It is a legacy we leave behind.

Every year we celebrate the anniversary of infinitheism on 11^th November. We take our students to at least fifteen schools where they give motivational talk to the students on “The Turbulent Adolescent Years” and “How to Get Their Teenage Right.” We have been doing this for the past thirteen years. The impact is more when students share with students.

“Happy to Help” is a group in the school. These students usher in the kindergarten students, and also help the teachers for a while in the morning to ensure that the toddlers settle down for the day.

There are different ways in which students are taught to contribute to society. They stage street plays to create awareness amongst the general public on “World Mental Health Day.”

Doctors were honoured on “Doctors’ Day” and they were overwhelmed by this gesture. Temple cleaning, lake cleaning, participating in walkathons to spread awareness, are all part of their social activities.

Looking beyond “Me, Mine & Myself” is inculcated in students early in life.

Students are asked to talk about the importance of giving, to their neighbours and relatives and collect funds for the underprivileged. They also talk about the number of social contributions the school has made over the years.

Students have been making social contributions for almost three decades. The parents of these students have to be thanked for their support. The money thus raised is used to build washrooms, classrooms, set up labs, libraries etc in government schools, and for many other noble Cause.

The kindergarten students take gifts for the less privileged children on Eid-al-Fitr. They also donate their used toys, which are in good condition, to the down-trodden, through NGOs. NSNites experience the joy of giving, throughout their school days, year on year. This will make them good Samaritans in future. So many of our alumni have started an NGO or a Trust to reach out to society.

The seeds we sow today become the trees of tomorrow. Success is not measured by the salary you earn or the position you occupy. Are you living a holistic life?

Are you using your potential and are you useful to the world? Then you are living a meaningful life.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM…

SPREADING GOODNESS

(Education is not all about what we receive within the four walls of our classroom, or what we read from the textbook, or what is imparted to us as part of academics. Something beyond that is required to live a life of peace and harmony. So, a curriculum has been devised to address the needs of students, to achieve wholesome development)  

It is common amongst students to fight with each other and complain about what the other person did. It is all part of growing up. But do we actually outgrow this habit of pointing a finger at the world? We all tend to get into this vicious cycle of pointing a finger at somebody else and not willing to own up our mistake.

We decided to introduce two practices; one was to ask students to write something good about their classmates every day. If they wrote every day, for a month, they would be given a “Good Finder” badge. This motivated the students to write every day, something good about someone, and show the book to the teacher.

The other practice was, to ask a few students to speak something good about the child who was celebrating their birthday. Students excitedly wait for their turn to talk all the good they can about their classmate.

Giving a right direction to their thinking is the key. It will help them to find goodness in people. And that is all is required. A few habits practiced, long enough, becomes their nature.

The school has so many Best Practices, each, carefully thought out and executed, to bring out the beautiful qualities in children.

Education is not all about exams and marks. In school, you prepare for tests, by learning the lessons well. But, life tests you and only after that you learn the lessons. What better way than inculcating the right qualities in children, at an age when they absorb it instantly.

Imagine the impact it would have on them when they practice this every day for several years. It will direct their mind in the direction of finding goodness in the world.

How beautiful it would be if each one of us, instead of expecting something from the world, and feeling disappointed, expects more from ourselves!

NSN intensely works on developing the personality of the students and provides them holistic growth.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

 

THE COMPLEXITY OF RELATIONSHIPS

As a student, I often wondered how to solve a mathematical problem and what was its relevance to life. It was never explained. So, I never enjoyed a math class. I usually zoned out after a while, when I could no more catch up with the teacher’s explanation. I thought, either she was very fast, or she did not explain how she arrived at the next step, or she was happy to carry on when the students in the front row nodded their head.  Math, to me was a complex subject.

As an adult, I realized that relationships are more complex than math!

We juggle between roles, each calling for a different approach and temperament. What works with one, may not work with the other. Even amongst our own children.

Managing relationships is like driving on a chaotic road. We should be an expert in maneuvering, to ensure we don’t get hit, or we don’t hit anyone.

I was pathetic in managing relationships. I used to sulk and moan when someone was nasty to me. I even got very angry with those who accused me. I was not able to tolerate nonsensical behavior. I used to react!

“Others hurt you because of their immaturity. You feel hurt because of your immaturity.”  -mahatria

But a great teacher of life came to my rescue. Unlike the math teacher, He taught me how to manage relationships, with utmost clarity. That did the trick.

Sometimes most simple things are misunderstood, people read between lines, some feel that they are being taken for granted, some others feel they are being used, some feel inferior for no reason, some feel holier than thou, some are difficult to please, some cannot be made  happy, some are constantly dissatisfied, some are short-tempered, while some others are cranky, some are egoistic, some are naïve, some are unpredictable, some throw tantrums, and only a few are balanced.

Relationships are like fire. Maintain a distance and it will give you warmth.

Others’ shortcomings are their problem. You cannot please everyone all the time. Your attitude is all that matters to you. I stopped reacting, and giving undue attention to those who don’t deserve it. People’s opinion about me does not matter to me anymore. Hence, I feel liberated.

“Expect more from yourself than what others expect of you” – mahatria

Honesty in a relationship only builds trust. Are you trustworthy and reliable? Then you can build relationships and thereby a strong bond.  Set personal boundaries to maintain emotional balance. Go into any relationship looking at what you can give and not what you can receive.

                                Do all the good you can

                               For all the people you can

                               In all the ways you can

                              At all the times you can

                               Without any expectation 

I give all relationships their due status.  There is no disrespect whatsoever. Being polite has become my nature. Detached attachment works. Stop being  dependent on someone for your happiness.

There is no pain anymore. I didn’t know life could be so peaceful with the new approach. Ever since, I have come a long way. I am in a beautiful space where I decide my happiness.

Live life on your terms. Make relationships less complicated and more enjoyable. Align yourself with people whose values are similar. It creates harmony and reduces friction. There is so much fun in watching the drama than being part of it.

             “Life is celebration and celebration is life.”

- mahatria

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting 

A POWERFUL PAUSE…

 

Sometimes acting quickly is what is required, but there will be times in life when a pause becomes a powerful turning point.

There is a lot of distraction, restlessness, disturbance, amongst youngsters. A society that is progressively becoming individualistic, wants everything and everyone to be in sync with them. They cannot accept anything that is not favouring them.

To those who cannot take a no for an answer or cannot accept failure, I wish to say that, instead of being disturbed, rattled or disillusioned by the world, make peace your priority.

Every choice we execute has a consequence. If the choice is not right, the consequence will take away your peace. So, choices have to be deliberated. Anything that is done impulsively could backfire. Have a peaceful arrangement with life.

Friends may entice you to try something for the first time in the name of having fun. They will even tell you that everything in life should be tried. When everybody is indulging in it, you too will be tempted. It is very difficult to resist, especially when you are with your friends. What you may not do when you are alone, you will certainly have the courage to do it with your gang of friends. Just pause for a while…reflect…and then move away to ensure that you don’t yield to the temptations.

Teenage is a phase in life when you are prone to arguments with parents. You cannot agree with them on many issues. In fact, you will be at logger-heads with them. Anything they say may irritate you. You feel they are curbing you or controlling you and you get agitated. Many a time there will be a quarrel, a disagreement or even a showdown at home. You might even say things that you will regret later. At such times, just pause for a while…reflect…and then move away to avoid further confrontations.

Developing a herd mentality is common amongst teenagers, who cannot stand up for their own beliefs. Peer influence is very powerful during teens. It is not easy to walk alone and be right. You need immense courage. But, when you join the wrong gang of friends, there is every chance that you may lose yourself, develop wrong habits, and ruin your own life. Before you extend a handshake to the wrong person, just pause for a while…reflect… and then decide to withdraw and move away.

A pause is very powerful to bring life defining changes. It can preempt you from hitting the wall and bleeding. A poignant pause is all that you need to practice, to bring peace into your life.

After reading this, just pause for a while…reflect …and bring in new changes that will help you achieve new dimensions in life. 

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting